Pet waste vacuum and disposal device and method

ABSTRACT

A pet waste vacuum and disposal device is disclosed herein. The device advantageously takes the form of a walking stick fabricated using phosphorescent plastic materials to aid a pet owner taking a pet for a walk at night. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device integrally includes a vacuum which is operable via a button located conveniently on the outside of the walking stick. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device further includes a waste collection compartment adapted to receive a bag. During use, the pet owner positions a mouth of a waste intake over pet waste, activates the vacuum, and the waste is collected inside the bag for clean and sanitary disposal thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/340,472 filed May 23, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of pet waste disposers and more specifically relates to a pet waste disposal device employing a vacuum.

2. Description of Related Art

Pet waste cleanup is a relatively unpleasant chore for pet owners; yet, failure to clean up pet waste poses environmental hazards due to polluted ground water. Typical devices for waste collection have included shovels, scoopers and bags. These devices can, however, be difficult to use, may require stooping, and become contaminated with waste during use.

Frequently, bag dispensers are sold to facilitate the release of a bag and to minimize the space occupied by the bags during the walk. Unfortunately, nearly all of the bag dispensers or bag set-ups still require the pet owner to physically pick up the pet's waste with his or her hand, the only protection on the hand being the bag. Many pet owners find the warmth of pet waste one of the larger drawbacks to collecting pet waste in this fashion. A claw or “Pooper Scooper” type of product can help to eliminate this, however it would require frequent cleaning, and the user is still required to remove the excrement from the claw, and place it into a bag. This process may cause the user to spill the bag, exacerbating the process, and potentially soiling the hands of the user.

U.S. Pub. No. 2015/0114433 to Oluyinka C. Rivadeneira relates to an animal waste vacuum disposal and bagging device. The described animal waste vacuum disposal and bagging device includes a canister, collection receptacle, collection chute, vacuum motor, and a bag sealer. The device employs the vacuum motor to collect pet waste within the collection receptacle via the collection chute. The collection receptacle is lined with a plastic bag, which is sealed and released from the collection receptacle within the canister upon activation of a dispose button by the user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known pet waste disposal art, the present disclosure provides a novel pet waste vacuum and disposal device. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a pet waste vacuum and disposal device.

Many individuals have pets. The present invention collects pet waste in a convenient and sanitary manner It prevents strain on the body from bending over and picking up waste, offering a much simpler and more convenient solution. The device includes a release button that drops the full interior waste bag into a trash can once pet waste has been suctioned off the ground. It eliminates the need to carry around bagged waste when trying to find a trash can for disposal. It saves time and frustration while taking pets on walks. The present invention glows in the dark for enhanced visibility at night.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a pet waste vacuum and disposal device, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device showing the pet waste vacuum and disposal device being carried over a shoulder of a user via a shoulder strap, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1B is an up-close perspective view of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device during an ‘in-use’ condition showing pet waste being suctioned into an intake end of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device via a vacuum, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an elongated cylindrical housing of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device joined together via a hinge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an interior view of the elongated cylindrical housing of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device of FIGS. 1-3 comprising a vacuum assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a pet waste disposer, and more particularly to a pet waste vacuum and disposal device as used to improve an ability to collect and dispose pet waste in a safe, sanitary, and hands-free manner for user convenience.

Generally, the pet waste vacuum and disposal device is configured to collect pet waste in a convenient and sanitary manner. It prevents strain on the body from bending over and picking up waste, offering a much simpler and more convenient solution. The device includes a release button that drops the full interior waste bag into a trash can once pet waste has been suctioned off the ground. It eliminates the need to carry around bagged waste when trying to find a trash can for disposal. It saves time and frustration while taking pets on walks. The present invention glows in the dark for enhanced visibility at night.

The pet waste vacuum and disposal device may provide a simple and convenient disposal of pet waste. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device may comprise a walking stick with an integrated vacuum to suction pet waste. A plastic bag may be located in the interior of the vacuum to store the suctioned waste. A release button may release the bagged waste into a trashcan for quick and easily disposal. The walking stick may further be telescopic to comfortably accommodate people of all heights.

A user may simply place a bag within the device and wait for their pet to use the bathroom. Once the pet is finished, the user may utilize the vacuum to suction up the pet waste, directly into the disposal bag within the vacuum. The vacuum may be opened once a trash can is reached, and the waste bag may be disposed of properly.

The pet waste vacuum and disposal device may be fabricated using plastic and other suitable materials. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device may be designed in a wide range of colors to suit user preference, and may have various embellishments and enhancements for personal customization. Further, the walking stick may comprise a phosphorescent glow-in-the-dark material to enhance visibility at night.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, various views of a pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100. FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100 showing the pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100 being carried over a shoulder of a user 140 via a shoulder strap 170, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the elongated cylindrical housing 110 is structured and arranged as a walking stick. The walking stick is useful for aiding a user 140 when walking a pet 5 (such as a dog). Further, the elongated cylindrical housing 110 may comprise phosphorescent plastic for glowing in dark ambient environments. This may be useful for helping the user 140 see at night. Further, the glow emitted from the pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100 may be easily detected by motorists, thereby minimizing accidents from occurring. As may be appreciated, the pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100 is multi-beneficial for use by the user 140 by providing a device useful for collecting and disposing pet waste 10 that is also a walking stick that glows and is easy to carry about the shoulder of the user 140.

Referring now to FIG. 1B illustrating an up-close perspective view of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 150 showing pet waste 10 left by a pet 5 being suctioned into a waste intake 114 of a distal end 112 of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100 via a vacuum 126 of a vacuum assembly 124, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100 may be beneficial for use by a user 140 by providing a device useful for collecting and disposing pet waste 10 in a sanitary manner.

In continuing to refer to FIG. 1B, the waste intake 114 of the distal end 112 of the elongated cylindrical housing 110 may comprise a mouth 116. Preferably, the mouth 116 may comprise a wider circumference than a diameter of the elongated cylindrical housing 110. In such a manner, the waste intake 114 may better envelope the pet waste 10 and receive a greater volume of the pet waste 10 during the ‘in-use’ condition 150 of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100.

Referring now FIG. 2 showing a perspective view of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100 may include elongated cylindrical housing 110, vacuum assembly 124, waste capture compartment 132, and disposal module 134.

The elongated cylindrical housing 110 may have a distal end comprising a waste intake 114, a proximal end 118 comprising a handle 120, and an inner volume 122. The vacuum assembly 124 may be securely housed within the inner volume 122 of the elongated cylindrical housing 110. In one embodiment, the vacuum assembly 124 may include a vacuum 126, at least one control button 128 for operating the vacuum 126, and a power source 130 providing operating power to the vacuum assembly 124.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the handle 120 of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100 is telescopic such that the elongated cylindrical housing 110 is length-adjustable. In such a manner, the handle 120 may be extendable and retractable to accommodate the particular height of the user 140. Further, the handle 120 may comprise a grip for handling by the user 140.

In continuing to refer to FIG. 2, the waste capture compartment 132 may be housed within the inner volume 122 of the elongated cylindrical housing 110. Further, the waste capture compartment 132 may be configured to receive pet waste 10 suctioned into the waste intake 114 via the vacuum 126. The disposal module 134 may also be located within the inner volume 122 of the elongated cylindrical housing 110. The disposal module 134 may be configured to allow the user 140 to release the pet waste 10 from the waste capture compartment 132 for sanitary disposal of the pet waste 10.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the waste capture compartment 132 is configured to receive at least one bag for collecting the pet waste 10 for sanitary disposal thereof. The bag may be inserted into the waste capture compartment 132 by the user 140. During use, the vacuum 126 may suction pet waste 10 from the ground via a mouth 116 of the waste intake 114 located at the distal end 112 of the elongated cylindrical housing 110 and into the bag for sanitary disposal thereof. Once the bag is removed, another bag may be inserted.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the elongated cylindrical housing 110 may comprise a first-tubular-section 154, a second-tubular-section 156, and a third-tubular-section 158. In this embodiment, the first-tubular-section 154 and the second-tubular-section 156 may be joined together via an attacher. Further, the second-tubular-section 156 and the third-tubular-section 158 may be removably-coupleable via a plurality of threads 210. Preferably, the third-tubular-section 158 is structured and arranged to house the vacuum 126 of the vacuum assembly 124, the vacuum 126 being accessible to the user 140 by unscrewing the third-tubular-section 158 from the second-tubular-section 156. This may be necessary for cleaning and maintenance purposes of the vacuum 126.

Referring now to FIG. 3 illustrating a perspective view of the elongated cylindrical housing 110 of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100 coupleable via the attacher comprising a hinge 160 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The hinge 160 may be configured as part of the disposal module 134 for allowing access to the waste capture compartment 132 situated within the inner volume 122 of the elongated cylindrical housing 110. During use, once the pet waste 10 has been collected into the bag, the elongated cylindrical housing 110 may swing open via the hinge 160 thereby allowing the user 140 access to the waste capture compartment 132 such that the bag is able to be disposed.

It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, the disposal module 134 may comprise a door and a release button. The door may be positioned about the waste capture compartment 132 along the elongated cylindrical housing 110, and the release button may also be disposed nearby the door on the outside of the elongated cylindrical housing 110. The release button may be configured to open the door, giving the user 140 access to the waste capture compartment 132 for sanitary disposal of the bag containing the pet waste 10.

FIG. 4 is an interior view of the elongated cylindrical housing 110 of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100 of FIGS. 1-3 comprising the vacuum assembly 124 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the vacuum assembly 124 may comprise the vacuum 126, at least one control button 128 for operating the vacuum 126, and the power source 130 for providing operating power to the vacuum assembly 124.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one control button 128 may comprise a power button. The power button is configured to activate and deactivate the vacuum 126. Further, at least one control button 128 may comprise a suction control button. The suction control button may be configured to control a rate of suction force of the vacuum 126. It should be noted that the control button(s) 128 as described may be located on an exterior section of the proximal end 118 of the elongated cylindrical housing 110.

In continuing to refer to FIG. 4, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power source 130 may comprise at least one battery. The battery may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. Alternatively, the power source 130 may comprise a wireless power source. The power source 130 is in communication with the vacuum 126 and the control button(s) 128 and provides operating power to the vacuum assembly 124.

Referring now to FIG. 5 showing a flow diagram 550 illustrating a method of use 500 of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the method of use 500 of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100 may include the steps of: step one 501, placing a bag within the waste capture compartment 132 of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100; step two 502, positioning the mouth 116 of the waste intake 114 of the elongated cylindrical housing 110 over the pet waste 10; step three 503, activating the vacuum 126 via at least one control button 128; step four 504, suctioning the pet waste 10 into the mouth 116 of the waste intake 114; step five 505, collecting the pet waste 10 in the bag of the waste capture compartment 132; step six 506, deactivating the vacuum 126 via at least one control button 128; step seven 507, releasing the bag containing the pet waste 10 via the disposal module 134; and step eight 508, disposing the bag.

The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for pet waste vacuum and disposal device 100 (e.g., different step orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taught herein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

what is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. A pet waste vacuum and disposal device, the device comprising: an elongated cylindrical housing having a distal end comprising a waste intake, a proximal end comprising a handle, and an inner volume; a vacuum assembly securely housed within the inner volume of the elongated cylindrical housing, the vacuum assembly including; a vacuum; at least one control button for operating the vacuum; and a power source providing operating power to the vacuum assembly; a waste capture compartment housed within the inner volume of the elongated cylindrical housing, the waste capture compartment configured to receive pet waste suctioned into the waste intake via the vacuum; and a disposal module configured to allow a user to release the pet waste from the waste capture department for disposal of the pet waste.
 2. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 1, wherein the elongated cylindrical housing is structured and arranged as a walking stick.
 3. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 2, wherein the elongated cylindrical housing comprises phosphorescent plastic for glowing in dark ambient environments.
 4. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 3, wherein the waste capture compartment is configured to receive a bag for collecting the pet waste for sanitary disposal thereof.
 5. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 4, wherein the elongated cylindrical housing comprises a first-tubular-section, a second-tubular-section, and a third-tubular-section.
 6. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 5, wherein the first-tubular-section and the second-tubular-section are joined together via an attacher.
 7. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 6, wherein the second-tubular-section and the third-tubular-section are removably-coupleable via threads.
 8. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 7, wherein the attacher comprises a hinge configured to allow the waste capture compartment to be accessible for sanitary disposal of the pet waste.
 9. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 8, wherein the third-tubular-section is structured and arranged to house the vacuum of the vacuum assembly.
 10. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 9, wherein the waste intake of the distal end of the elongated cylindrical housing comprises a mouth having a wider area than a diameter of the elongated cylindrical housing for receiving a greater volume of the pet waste.
 11. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 10, wherein the disposal module comprises a release button adapted to an exterior of the elongated cylindrical housing.
 12. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 11, wherein the at least one control button of the vacuum assembly is configured to activate and alternatively deactivate the vacuum.
 13. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 12, wherein the at least one control button of the vacuum assembly is configured to control a rate of suction force of the vacuum.
 14. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 13, wherein the at least one control button of the vacuum assembly is located on an exterior section of the proximal end of the elongated cylindrical housing.
 15. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 14, wherein the handle is telescopic such that the elongated cylindrical housing is length-adjustable.
 16. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 15, further comprising a shoulder strap removably coupled to the elongated cylindrical housing and configured to allow the pet waste vacuum and disposal device to be carried over a shoulder of the user.
 17. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 15, wherein the power source comprises a wireless power source
 18. A combination pet waste vacuum and disposal device and walking stick, the device and walking stick comprising: an elongated cylindrical housing having an inner volume, the housing in the shape of a walking stick, the housing including; a distal end comprising a waste intake; a proximal end comprising a handle; first-tubular-section coupled to a second-tubular-section via a hinge; and a third-tubular-section coupleable to the second-tubular-section via a plurality of threads; a vacuum assembly securely housed within the inner volume of the elongated cylindrical housing, the vacuum assembly including; a vacuum housed within the third-tubular-section; at least one control button for operating the vacuum in communication with the vacuum; and a power source providing operating power to the vacuum assembly; and a waste capture compartment housed within the inner volume of the elongated cylindrical housing, the waste capture compartment configured to receive pet waste suctioned into the waste intake via the vacuum; a disposal module configured to allow a user to release the pet waste from the waste capture department for disposal of the pet waste; a shoulder strap removably coupled to the elongated cylindrical housing and configured to allow the pet waste vacuum and disposal device and walking stick to be carried over a shoulder of a user; wherein the at least one control button of the vacuum assembly is configured to activate and alternatively deactivate the vacuum; wherein the at least one control button of the vacuum assembly is configured to control a rate of suction force of the vacuum; wherein the waste intake of the distal end of the elongated cylindrical housing comprises a mouth having a wider area than a diameter of the elongated cylindrical housing for receiving a greater volume of the pet waste; and wherein the pet waste vacuum and disposal device and walking stick is useful for sanitary collection and disposal of pet waste.
 19. The pet waste vacuum and disposal device of claim 18, further comprising set of instructions; and wherein the pet waste vacuum and disposal device and walking stick is arranged as a kit.
 20. A method of using a pet waste vacuum and disposal device after a pet has left pet waste, the method comprising the steps of: placing a bag within a waste capture compartment of the pet waste vacuum and disposal device; positioning a mouth of a waste intake of an elongated cylindrical housing over the pet waste; activating a vacuum via at least one control button; suctioning the pet waste into the mouth of the waste intake; collecting the pet waste in the bag of the waste capture compartment; deactivating the vacuum via the at least one control button; releasing the bag containing the pet waste via a disposal module; and disposing the bag. 